Library News

Art Exhibition & Reception: Metal Artwork by ISU Students

The Oboler Library at Idaho State University is pleased to announce an exhibit of metal art by students of the Art Department's Visiting Professor, Kristina Glick, who is serving as advisor to this project. The curator for the exhibit, Ali (Alexis) Boriboun, invited the students in the Metals classes at Idaho State University this semester to contribute their work for inclusion in the exhibition.

The exhibit runs from October 30 through November 29 in the art area of the Oboler Library at 850 S. 9th in Pocatello. A free public reception honoring the artists will take place November 14 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm.

The impetus for the exhibit came from a library display of metalwork by Jeff Davies, a student in the art department and an employee of the library. Mr. Davies has created a variety of artworks in metal, including Fabergé's Nightmare, a silver enamel brass sculpture that won the first place prize in the 8th Annual National Juried Exhibition in Idaho Falls. Jeff writes: "My journey into the realm of metals began six years ago in the ISU art department's introduction to metals class. It seemed inevitable that I would at some point land there, given my lifelong attraction to shiny objects: metals, glass, precious and semi-precious stones, beads, rocks... Fabrication techniques, decorative processes, principles of design, all are varied and many, often challenging; I feel that my experiences and progress with those elements place me very firmly in the category of novice. However, the journey is happily begun and will continue as long as I am able to hold the hammer and the torch."

In the Introduction to Metals and Jewelry class, students learn basic metalsmithing skills and apply them to the creation of jewelry and small metal sculpture. Emphasis is placed on cultivating visual design skills as well as mastering basic materials and technical processes. In the Intermediate and Advanced Metals and Jewelry classes, students explore more complex techniques and processes such as enameling, casting, and etching, while developing a personal visual vocabulary and the ability to solve both design and technical problems. For more information about ISU Art Department curriculum, faculty, etc., please see their department website, call (208) 282-2361, or email Danielle at gribdani@isu.edu.

For more information about art exhibits in the Oboler Library, please contact Kristi at austkris@isu.edu or (208) 282-4073.